WASHINGTON -- Saying "we have a rapidly growing population that's going to have to be fed," U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., has introduced a bill to streamline the approval process for genetically modified agricultural products.

So-called "GM" agricultural products are typically modified to enhance productivity by, for example, making them resistant to plant diseases or tolerant of toxic herbicides and insecticides.

The Expediting Agriculture Through Science (EATS) Act would speed up the time regulators have to approve a new product.

"It's taking sometimes three and four years to get these permits and get the things issued that should be in trying to move our genetically enhanced crops along," Fincher said in an interview Tuesday.

"All we're doing with this legislation is providing a sense of accountability. It's saying, 'Look, guys: You've got so many days to do it and, if you don't get it done, you get 60 more days on top of that, which would be 240 days. And then, if you haven't completed your job in that allotted amount of time, then it's approved," he explained.

Agricultural products are evaluated by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Some varieties of genetically modified crops have been banned in Europe.

Fincher said the proposal is important for farmers and consumers, and the "trickle-down effects" will benefit both.

"We need to streamline, make sure it's a more thorough process, one that's responsible, transparent and accountable," he said.

Patty Lovera, assistant director of Food and Water Watch, which monitors agricultural proposals, said the Washington-based watchdog group has some criticisms of the approval process, but it "being too slow is not one of them. ... You don't need to be rushing through this."

Fincher said he was aware that there are critics of genetically modified foods but, "we're in the United States, not Europe. ... We have a rapidly growing population that's going to have to be fed. As a farmer, nobody wants to be more protective of the environment than myself."

Fincher, initially given a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, last month left that committee for the more high-profile Financial Services Committee, but he said Tuesday he still has his eye on his farming constituents.

"Not being on the committee, we're still focused on the district and home and ag is very important to home, very important to my friends and family," he said. "I also think (Financial Services) is a very good fit for home."